Monday’s Real Links: Look who’s back!

Monday’s edition of ‘The Real Links’ features an update on Gareth Bale, a wrongly disallowed goal in the FC Barcelona – Valencia match, and an update on several managers across Europe. Let’s jump in!

Goal of the Day

Dani Alves is not a fullback. There is just no way.

This guy has scored some of the craziest goals I’ve seen in the game. Yet, he is considered a defender. This goal from Wednesday’s 7-1 win over Celtic is just another in a long line of unreal long-distance shots from the Brazilian.

This is a goal 95% of forwards or midfileders would score. But then there’s Dani Alves. This ball had eyes and somehow squeaked in off the post. What a shot.

Real Madrid Links

Gareth Bale expected to return to play this week in the Copa Del Rey

Finally! Real Madrid forward Gareth Bale looks like he will make his first appearance for the Royal Whites in their second leg match against Fuenlabrada Tuesday in the Copa Del Rey.

Bale has suffered two separate leg muscle injuries in the past couple of months which has held him out of action for an extended period of time. Zinedine Zidane said he wants to be careful with bringing Bale back, but he said there’s a very good chance he could feature in this match.

“Gareth will be with us tomorrow, we will see how long he plays for,” he said. “But he will play. I want to see Bale doing well, he just needs to play now.”

Dani Ceballos continues to struggle for minutes

Since arriving over the summer, Dani Ceballos has featured in just 5 league matches, playing 167 minutes and scoring 2 goals. It has gotten to the point where many Real Madrid fans are growing anxious to see the young midfielder get regular playing time.

But like many media members and Zizou himself has said, there are just too many quality players in front of him right now.

His time as a starter or a regular in the lineup will come, but when?

Will Real Madrid actually pursue Anthony Martial this summer?

Reports out of Spain are that Zidane and club president Florentino Perez are interested in spending the big bucks to bring in talented Manchester United forward, Anthony Martial this summer.

Martial has burst onto the scene in England this year with his efficient finishing abilities and regular minutes from manager Jose Mourinho.

Would this be a good move for Los Blancos to make? And where exactly would Martial fit into the squad if he did come in?

The Benzema-Ronaldo scoring train is starting to pick up pace

In the last two matches, Karim Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo have combined for six goals and helped the team to consecutive victories.

Ronaldo leads the team in goals across all competitions with 11, and Benz has now scored 5.

This is a good sign ladies and gentlemen. Let’s hope this success continues.